

Bloomberg Business of Sports
Bloomberg
Michael Barr, Vanessa Perdomo and Damian Sassower follow the money in the world of sports, taking listeners inside decisions that power the multibillion dollar industry. From media and technology to finance and real estate, leagues and teams across the globe have matured into far more than just back-page entertainment. The show explains the money behind the games.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 6, 2018 • 28min
The ``Golden Boy'' Sees Another Golden Age for Boxing
Former professional boxer and current promoter Oscar De La Hoya discusses a number of topics related to the business of sports, including next weekend's rematch between Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez. De La Hoya also discusses the state of boxing, what the new media landscape means for the sport and how he goes about creating new superstars that can draw viewers. De La Hoya also talks about boxing judges, the Olympics and whether there's room for boxing alongside mixed martial arts.De La Hoya, known as ``The Golden Boy,'' won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics at the age of 19 and went on to win 10 world titles in six weight classes. He was one of the most popular boxers in history, generating hundreds of millions from pay-per-view events. He retired in 2009. He founded Golden Boy Promotions in 2002. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 5, 2018 • 15min
Here's Why Colin Kaepernick was Coveted by Nike
Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including Nike's decision to sign former quarterback Colin Kaepernick to a contract extension that makes him one of the faces of the company's 30-year celebration of its ``Just Do It'' campaign. The announcement triggered a wave of reaction, positive and negative, including a tweet from President Donald Trump. Also discussed is Nike's motivation for the agreement, the company's strategy and execution and Kaepernick's long-term endorsement potential. Host: Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr Producer: Madena ParwanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 3, 2018 • 16min
Kaepernick Goes to Trial; College Football's Empty Seats
Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including former San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Keapernick's recent arbitration victory. The ruling means that Kaepernick's collusion claims against the NFL will go to trial, likely forcing league owners and executives to testify in court. Also discussed are the ongoing attendance woes in college sports, and Amazon's rough debut streaming U.S. Open tennis in the U.K.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 30, 2018 • 28min
This NFL Owner Welcomes Player Protests During Anthem
Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, owner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS's Atlanta United, discusses a number of topics related to the business of sports, including why he won't fine players for protesting during the National Anthem. Blank also talks about why soccer has captivated Atlanta, drawing some 70,000-plus fans to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and what's driving the valuations of MLS teams. He also talks about the stadium's community pricing model, whereby food vendors charge about what the item would cost in the areas surrounding the stadium. Blank also talks about Home Depot's onetime sponsorship of Tony Stewart's Nascar team, and what the sport needs to do to revive itself.A native of Flushing, New York, Blank attended Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan and competed in football, baseball and track. He co-founded The Home Depot in 1978 and retired from the company as co-chairman in 2001. He bought the Falcons the following year.Hosts: Scott Soshnick, Michael Barr and Eben Novy-Williams. Producer: Madena Parwana. This is a Bloomberg podcast. To download, watch or listen to this report now, click on the thumbnail/player on the sidebar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 29, 2018 • 11min
Lovable Losers Turn Leavers as Cubs Ponder Own TV Path
Scott Soshnick and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the Chicago Cubs decision to pull away from their partnership with NBC Sports Chicago -- and start their own television venture. The Cubs have hired former MSG Network President and St. Louis Blues CEO Mike McCarthy to lead the TV venture. Also discussed is Amazon's hiring of former ESPN executive Marie Donoghue to oversee sports for Prime Video. Donoghue spent 19 years at ESPN and left the network last year. The duo also talk about Northern Illinois's novel approach to encouraging students to attend football games: Show up for the chance to win $100.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 27, 2018 • 15min
Serena’s Catsuit Ban; Mike Francesa Goes Digital
Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the French Open’s decision to bar Serena Williams from wearing a black, full-body outfit that’s known as a Catsuit. French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli told Tennis Magazine that one must respect the game and the place. Williams sponsor Nike responded in an ad, saying “You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can never take away her superpowers.” Also discussed are radio host Mike Francesa’s new digital offering, and one company’s decision to drop its sponsorship of a race car driver in response to comments allegedly made by his father decades ago. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 23, 2018 • 37min
Tennis, Anyone? Roger Federer at Night and $7 Water
United States Tennis Association Chief Revenue Officer Lew Sherr discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports -- and the U.S. Open in particular -- including what’s driving revenue at America's annual tennis grand slam. Sherr talks about everything from the roofs atop the National Tennis Center's biggest stadiums to why President Donald Trump won't be attending this year. Sherr also discusses sponsorship value, concession prices and what his organization does with the money that it takes in. He also talks about player seeding and matches that go long into the night. Sherr is responsible for all commercial and business development for the US Open, USTA and its affiliated programs. He oversees broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing and hospitality businesses, driving growth in recent years. Sherr joined the USTA in 2010. Prior to that he worked at Madison Square Garden, serving as senior VP or marketing partnerships. He graduated from Duke University, where he received both his undergraduate degree and MBA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 22, 2018 • 17min
Anger Rises over New NFL Rules; Sabres Fans Get New Plan
Scott Soshnick, Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the effect new NFL rules changes, aimed at making the gamer safer, might have on the league this season. The new rules have drawn confusion and criticism from coaches, players and fans during preseason. The trio also discuss new kind of season ticket package for fans of the Buffalo Sabres. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 20, 2018 • 17min
Esports in the Asian Games; Crimson Tide & PawSox Move
Eben Novy-Williams and Michael Barr discuss a number of topics related to the business of sports, including the addition of esports to this year's Asian Games. Competitive video gaming, which is exploding in popularity among younger consumers, will be a demonstration sport in Jakarta later this month, and is under consideration for inclusion in the Olympics. Also discussed are the University of Alabama's plan to invest $600 million into its athletic facilities over the next 10 years, and the Pawtucket Red Sox's stadium shuffle, which will have the minor league baseball team moving to Worchester, Massachusetts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 16, 2018 • 33min
He's a Paper Billionaire Backed by U.S. Sports Betting
Sportradar Chief Executive Officer Carsten Koerl discusses a host of issues related to the business of sports, including what's driving the value of data in professional sports. He also talks about the company's prospects in the U.S., and how investors like Mark Cuban, Ted Leonsis and Michael Jordan are helping to drive deals and revenue. Koerlalso discusses sports betting in the U.S. and the need for data among media companies that broadcast sports. Koerl has strategically led all aspects of Sportradar's business since founding the company in 2001. Private equity firm EQT recently sold its stake in Sportradar in a deal that valued the company at $2.4 billion. Koerl didn't sell shares. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


